SEIA Congratulates New Arizona Commissioners

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Carrie Cullen Hitt, vice president for state affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association released the following statement in response to the election of new commissioners to the Arizona Corporation Commission:

“SEIA congratulates Bob Stump, Robert Burns, and Susan Bitter Smith on winning election to the Arizona Corporation Commission. We look forward to working with all the commissioners on the range of critical issues affecting the state and its citizens, such as the short- and long-term plans to support investment in renewable energy, including solar.”

Arizona is ranked third in the nation for total installed solar electric capacity, following California and New Jersey. Arizona has seen growth in all solar energy sectors including residential, commercial and utility-scale; in second quarter 2012, utility-scale solar dominated the state’s increase and significant projects are under construction now.

The ACC regulates public utilities in Arizona along with additional roles facilitating the incorporation of businesses and organizations, securities regulation and railroad/pipeline safety.

Background Materials:
About the ACC and commissioner races (bottom of the Arizona Secretary of State website): 
http://www.azsos.gov/election/2012/General/fulllisting.htm
http://www.cc.state.az.us/

Growth of U.S. Solar:
http://www.seia.org/news/report-us-solar-market-spikes-q2-2012-more-doubling-q2-2011-market-size

About SEIA:
SEIA® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is working to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA® works with its 1,000 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org

Media Contacts:
Jamie Nolan, JNolan@SEIA.org, 202-556-2886
Monique Hanis, MHanis@SEIA.org, 202-556-2885